Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Put Upon, Revised

I have had my eye on this piece for awhile, just itching to rework it.  This week I finally got a round tuit.  I am afraid that the photo does not do it justice, having gone all mellow yellow on me, but you'll get a general idea of the changes that were made.  Here it is, sunshiny and new:

Put Upon, acrylic on plywood, approx. 30 x 39
Elizabeth W. Seaver

I really had fun transforming this odd group, which reminds me a little of those days when my children were small and I, foolishly, tried to have a moment to myself in the bathroom.  As soon as I closed the door, their need for me became intense.  "Mama....mama...Matthew has my book...Will hit me....Mama can I have a cookie?....Whatcha doin' in there?....Can I come in?"

So, I imagined this poor, put upon hippo, just trying to have a cooling dip in the river, only to have three nitwits land on her as if she were a rock in the shallows.  (Scary music) And the rock moved...

But that's another story.

Here are our protagonists before I went after them with some color.


Someone said that the old version reminded her of a chalkboard.  Hey, I was a teacher.  I LIKE chalkboards.  But I like color better, and I'm happy with the changes.

Now I just have to get my camera to catch a better approximation of the new painting.

In other news, it's our last year of high school after 9 straight years. I don't mind telling you that I'll be glad to be graduating.  

Have a great day at school, Matt!

32 comments:

Anna M. Branner said...

The difference is amazing! Gorgeous. Makes it look like a much hotter day too. :)

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Thanks, buddy. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Rachel Rolseth said...

I really like the new colors. This is such a beautiful work!

Vicki Greene said...

I really like the colors and the story to go with it.

Terry Pitzel said...

Wow your work is so amazing E.! I love the direction you are going in. Your work is top notch!

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Elizabeth...Loving this new piece and the story that went with...I can SOOOO relate...though my bathroom naggers are 27 and 30 now...I miss those days sometimes! ha...the grass is always greener...Anyway...not only the visual...but nice composition...Your work remains so inspiring!!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Welcome, Rachel. Thanks for your kind words.

Elizabeth said...

Bravo!! Love the color transformation. Coloring over the black still gives you some of that neat blackboard feel - I don't take that a s a negative comment either. I lvoe th pop of the birds with the yeelow background- much happier!!!!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Vicki, I'm so glad you like the story.

Carole Barkett said...

I love this and can totally relate to the situation. I love how you capture the situation.
This picture would always make me smile every time I saw it.

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hey, Terri! Come by and see it all. I'd love to do lunch or something...

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Blessings on you, Saundra! Thanks for the enthusiasm for my work.

Yes, you think those days will last forever, and then you look and it's been 10 years since the last, "Mama, when are you coming out??!"

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Elizabeth--I really appreciate the positive comments. No, I didn't take it as a negative, either. I liked the painting at the time I finished it. Now, I just want it to go in a different direction.

Thanks for coming by!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Country Mouse: I think most parents have had something of this experience. Nature of the "beast."

I'm glad it made you smile! I appreciate your comments--all of them!

Linda Popple said...

Funny story and as a parent can totally relate to it! I like the new and improved color version. Very nice!!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Linda:

Thanks! I appreciate your comments, especially since I admire your sense of color as well.

Dusty Pines said...

oh i like your work! such fun & exploration & color & happiness! even the poor put-upon hippo! the changes you made rally brought it to life! thank you! (i'm so glad you found me so i can follow you!)

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Dusty Pines--thanks for becoming one of my followers. I'm glad I found you, too!

I'm really glad you like my put upon hippo and the changes I made.

See you 'round the blogosphere!

-Don said...

What a fun painting. I really like the look on the hippo's face.

I can relate to your story having been the oldest of seven children. The only space I could have to myself was the bathroom. But, as soon as I would close the door there would be pounding and yelling. (kinda' like the Ralphy in the bathroom scene in "A Christmas Story") I always swore that when I bought my own house it would have plenty of bathrooms - and it does.

-Don

Carrie Waller Watercolors said...

Love the transformation! Boy can I identify with the Mommy in the bathroom scenario! For me most the time it's as soon as the phone rings. I have 2 children that are going to die if they don't have my attention! Love it! And thanks for the comment on my blog:)

Leslie Hawes said...

Love it!
made me smile!

Jill Banks said...

Terrific work, Elizabeth. I love the title and know the feeling. Isn't that funny how pieces call us back to them, needing something?

Vivian said...

I love the new Put Upon, but then I liked the old one. Guess I'm just a died in the wool fan of your work and of YOU. Keep it coming.

Diane Hoeptner said...

It's SO much fun, I love it.

Artist said...

beautiful background color that yellow!

Gwen Bell said...

Love the new changes...what a great transformation. I liked the old version too, but this one is so nicely cohesive in color. It gave life to the entire piece. And your stamps are incredible. Love the way they flow off of the hippo.

Andrew Finnie said...

Hey Elizabeth, wow, sorry I missed this. You know I really like the bottom one as well, it's very strong.

Wusel's... said...

I've found your blog on An illustrated life. A happy coincidence because as I read here we have very much in common. I like the new version because when it comes to coloring I'm always more into the warmer colors. And I absolutely get the story behind it...

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Andrew. I liked the old one, too. I just was ready for a change. Thanks for commenting!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Joe:

Welcome to my blog. Thanks for joining and for leaving a comment. Is the "never alone, even in the bathroom" one of the universal themes?

I enjoyed your blog, as well.

Anonymous said...

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for your comment I very much appreciate it. Your works are lovely bright colorful and full life!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

Hi, Janet: I really am glad to have found your blog and look forward to seeing future posts. Thanks for following me and taking the time to leave me encouraging words. Those are always appreciated!